Steve Geller

Fantasy Football Week 15: SIT 'EM, START 'EM

by Steve Geller, steve@wwl.com,posted Dec 14 2012 5:12PM

Just one more game till the Super Bowl of Fantasy Football, and hopefully your squad has carried you this far. I know you’d hate for your team to choke the game before the “BIG ONE.” So, here’s my advice for this crucial week of play.

SIT 'EM

Tony Romo: Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

So far this season some of the better pass defenses have kept Romo and his receiving core at bay. Dallas is working to stay in the playoff hunt and take on Pittsburgh this week. The Steelers’ run defense is not quite as solid as their pass defense, so I expect to see DeMarco Murray let loose this week. As for Romo, he faces the number one ranked defense vs. QBs, allowing an average of 11.5 fantasy points per game to the position. He is going to have his work cut out for him, so I would definitely keep him on the bench.

Michael Turner: Running Back, Atlanta Falcons

Turner has now scored a TD in each of his last four games. The unfortunate issue that his owners must consider is the additional playing time of Jacquizz Rodgers. Rodgers is receiving more and more of the workload each week and last game was on the field for just under 50% of snaps. Turner, on the other hand, played about 30% of snaps. This increase in playing time for Rodgers is likely best explained by his ability to factor into the passing game. This week the ATL faces a Giants defense that is ranked fourth in fantasy points allowed to running backs.

Stevie Johnson: Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills

Stevie Johnson collected six receptions in each of his Week 10, 11, 12 and 14 games. The good news is that it does not appear that his hamstring injury is that limiting to his production. The bad news is his matchup this week. Despite being Fitzpatrick’s favorite target, Seattle's defense will take Johnson out of plays. The Seahawks rank third against wide outs so this is not the week to take a flyer on Johnson, given his productivity of late.

START 'EM

Josh Freeman: Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a very promising 2010 season, Freeman took a big step back last year. 2012 was going to be a make or break year in his young career. To help, the Bucs signed free agent WR Vincent Jackson and drafted Doug Martin in the first round of the 2012 draft. Both have been huge helps and are major reasons Freeman is on pace to set career highs in both yards and touchdown passes. This week Freeman makes for a great start as Tampa faces the Saints in a game that will likely be a shootout. Last time he played New Orleans, Freeman passed for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions. Look for much of the same this week.

David Wilson: Running Back, New York Giants

If you started David Wilson last week, consider yourself a genius. It took the rookie three quarters of the season, many weeks in the dog house, tons of work and some injuries to other players. He is finally starting to show the promise that the Giants thought they were getting when they drafted him in the 1st round of the 2012 draft. With starting RB Ahmad Bradshaw nursing some nagging injuries, the G Men have finally given Wilson more playing time, and he showed them that he is capable of making plays. He put up 327 all purpose yards. If you didn't start him last week, don't make the same mistake again against the Falcons.

Rod Streater: Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders

Streater will never be confused with one of the top fantasy receivers. What he does have going for him is the fact that he plays on a horrible team that is usually losing early on in the game. That has forced them to pass constantly, which allows the Raiders receivers many more opportunities to put up some fantasy points. Over the past two weeks, Streater has caught 7 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. He will be looking to build on that this week. He has a very solid match up vs. the Chiefs in a meaningless game between two of the worst teams in the NFL.